Using diagnosis thoughtfully
Mental health diagnoses organize groups of symptoms. They may help you understand that you are not alone, communicate with providers, and obtain insurance coverage. At the same time, two people with the same diagnosis may have very different histories, conflicts, strengths, and needs.
My work does not ignore symptoms or diagnosis. It places them in context. We ask not only what you are experiencing, but what that experience means in your life and how it developed.
More than a checklist
A panic attack, depressed mood, difficulty concentrating, or repetitive behavior can be deeply disruptive. Addressing those problems matters. Therapy can also examine the relationships, losses, fears, and forms of self-protection that a checklist cannot capture.
This perspective allows diagnosis to be useful without turning it into identity. You are not reducible to a disorder, and treatment should remain responsive to the person rather than only the category.
Assessment and collaboration
When questions arise about medication, medical conditions, or specialized assessment, I may recommend consultation with an appropriate physician or other provider. Good care sometimes involves collaboration, with your permission, across disciplines.
This page is general information and is not a diagnosis or substitute for an individual evaluation.